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Forensic Counseling Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Psychologist 2 (NY HELPS)

Claverack, NY · On-site

$84K - $106K/yr

Qualifying degree programs/majors include but are not limited to the following: clinical psychology, clinical forensic psychology, community psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, and ...

Job Purpose We are seeking a highly experienced and credentialed Forensic Architect to serve as a ... and private sector, legal counsels, condominium associations and clients to provide clear ...

Psychologist 2 (NY HELPS)

Lansing, NY · On-site

$86K - $109K/yr

Qualifying degree programs/majors include but are not limited to the following: clinical psychology, clinical forensic psychology, community psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, and ...

Forensic Psychologist

Bridgewater, MA · On-site

$115K - $130K/yr

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including free counseling and health coaching * Company paid life insurance * Tax free Health Spending Accounts (HSA) * Wellness program featuring fitness ...

Job Posting Title Forensic Psychologist Agency 452 MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE SERV ... counseling psychology, plus one (1) academic year in a full-time post-master's or pre-doctoral ...

Forensic Psychologist

Conroe, TX · On-site

$120K/yr

Employee Assistance Program (EAP) including free counseling and health coaching * Company paid life insurance * Tax free Health Spending Accounts (HSA) * Wellness program featuring fitness ...

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Forensic Counseling information

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$41K

$87.9K

$137K

How much do forensic counseling jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for forensic counseling in the United States is $87,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $111,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is forensic counseling?

Forensic counseling is a specialized field that combines psychological expertise with the legal and criminal justice systems. Forensic counselors assess, diagnose, and treat individuals who are involved in legal proceedings, such as offenders, victims, or witnesses. They may provide expert testimony in court, conduct risk assessments, or offer therapy to those affected by crime. This work often requires a thorough understanding of both mental health practices and legal standards. Forensic counselors play a critical role in helping courts make informed decisions about mental health issues related to legal cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Forensic Counselor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Forensic Counselor, you need a background in psychology or counseling, knowledge of criminal justice, and a relevant license (such as LPC, LCSW, or LMFT). Familiarity with assessment tools, case management systems, and evidence documentation is typically required. Excellent communication, cultural competency, and strong ethical judgment are vital soft skills for building rapport and maintaining professional integrity. These skills and attributes enable effective evaluation, treatment, and advocacy for clients involved in the legal system.

How does a forensic counselor typically collaborate with legal professionals and other stakeholders in the justice system?

Forensic counselors frequently work alongside attorneys, judges, probation officers, and social workers to provide assessments, recommendations, and therapeutic services for individuals involved in the legal system. They may be called upon to present findings in court, develop treatment plans for offenders, or advise on sentencing and rehabilitation options. Effective communication and detailed documentation are crucial, as their work often directly influences legal outcomes and client well-being. This collaborative environment requires strong interpersonal skills and a thorough understanding of both clinical practice and legal procedures.

What does a forensic counselor do?

A forensic counselor assesses and treats individuals involved in the legal system, such as victims, offenders, or witnesses. They often work in correctional facilities, courts, or mental health settings, utilizing counseling skills and psychological assessments to support legal processes and rehabilitation.

How to become a forensic therapist?

To become a forensic therapist, you typically need a master's degree in psychology, counseling, or social work, along with specialized training in forensic settings. Licensure or certification as a mental health professional is usually required, and gaining experience in criminal justice or forensic assessment can enhance job prospects.

What is the difference between Forensic Counseling vs Forensic Psychology?

AspectForensic CounselingForensic Psychology
Required CredentialsMaster's degree in counseling or related field, licensureDoctoral degree in psychology, licensure as psychologist
Work EnvironmentCourts, correctional facilities, mental health clinicsCourts, correctional facilities, research settings
Industry UsageLegal cases, mental health assessments, counselingLegal evaluations, expert testimony, psychological assessments

Forensic Counseling and Forensic Psychology both work within the legal system, but Forensic Counseling typically requires a master's degree and focuses on counseling and mental health support, while Forensic Psychology requires a doctoral degree and emphasizes psychological evaluations and expert testimony. Both roles are vital in legal settings but serve different functions based on their training and focus.

Is it hard to get hired as a forensic psychologist?

Getting hired as a forensic psychologist can be competitive due to the specialized nature of the field, which often requires advanced degrees, licensure, and relevant experience. Strong skills in psychology, criminal justice, and report writing, along with networking and certification, can improve employment prospects.

How much do forensic mental health counselors make?

Forensic mental health counselors typically earn a median annual salary of around $45,000 to $65,000, depending on experience, location, and work setting. Salaries can increase with additional certifications, specialized training, and years of experience in the field.
More about Forensic Counseling jobs
What cities are hiring for Forensic Counseling jobs? Cities with the most Forensic Counseling job openings:
What states have the most Forensic Counseling jobs? States with the most job openings for Forensic Counseling jobs include:
Infographic showing various Forensic Counseling job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,877 per year, or $42.2 per hour.
Psychologist 2 (NY HELPS)

Psychologist 2 (NY HELPS)

New York State

Claverack, NY • On-site

$84K - $106K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago


New York State rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 179 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

26th of 50 rated states


Job description

Duties Description The Office of Children & Family Services (OCFS), Division for Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) is seeking a Psychologist 2 to work as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team. In the Juvenile Justice residential setting/facility, the Psychologist 2 is responsible for the following: Admission screening, including mental status exam and suicide assessment. 30 day assessment, including administration of various mental health and substance use screens, youth and collateral interviews, and record review to develop a psychosocial assessment and subsequent mental health treatment plan.

Collaboration and treatment planning with youths assigned psychiatrist as indicated. Individual and group counseling and psychotherapy. Treatment reviews.

Cognitive and other psychological testing as indicated. Serve as a member of the facility Committee on Special Education. Discharge planning.

The Psychologist 2 works with youth case managers, direct care staff, education and medical staff to develop and enact comprehensive treatment plans aimed at increasing youths' skills in the areas of emotional intelligence, interpersonal effectiveness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. The Psychologist 2 reports to the Facility Assistant Director for Treatment (ADT) who provides individual and group clinical supervision. A monthly state-wide psychology supervision provides practitioners the opportunity to discuss cases and systems considerations with other psychologists working in DJJOY facilities (of which there are 9).

DJJOY provides numerous clinical trainings with accompanying NYS Department of Education approved Continuing Education Units (CEU's). Minimum Qualifications Transfer: One year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in this title or in a title eligible for 70.1 transfer. Open to the Public: This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS)

A Master of Psychology degree from a regionally accredited college or university psychology degree program which prepares graduates for clinical positions in the field of psychology in a clinical, forensic, community mental health, or school setting. Qualifying degree programs must have included coursework in psychological and behavioral assessment, and treatment modalities for psychological and behavioral disorders; AND you must also have three years of supervised post master's degree experience in a clinical, forensic, community mental health, or school setting, where your primary duties were providing psychological services as described below. * Substitutions: a doctoral degree in a clinical field of psychology and one year of qualifying experience may be substituted for both the education and experience requirements above.

a clinical psychology practicum, externship, or fieldwork assignment, that was completed as part of a qualifying Master of Psychology degree program, may be substituted for one year of the required experience. ** a certificate of advanced study in a clinical field of psychology or school psychology may be substituted for one year of the required experience. Qualifying degree programs/majors include but are not limited to the following: clinical psychology, clinical forensic psychology, community psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, and child psychology.

Non-qualifying degree programs/majors include but are not limited to the following: education, counseling, clinical counseling, clinical hypnosis, community counseling, educational counseling, forensic counseling, guidance counseling, human relations, marriage and family counseling, professional counseling, rehabilitative counseling, school counseling, student and personnel services, mental health counseling, psychological counseling, pastoral psychology, transpersonal psychology, neuroscience, experimental psychology, industrial psychology, and organizational psychology. *Qualifying experience is considered to be direct experience with individuals, families, or groups in a hospital, psychiatric hospital, psychiatric clinic, community mental health clinic, correctional facility, intermediate care facility, institutional or school setting, or community based residential and/or day program, under the supervision of a doctoral level psychologist, licensed psychologist, licensed physician, licensed psychiatrist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or licensed clinical social worker (Or in the case of school psychologists with permanent certification from the New York State Education Department, working under the supervision of a school principal or similar administrator). In order for experience to be considered qualifying, primary duties must have included activities such as administering assessments and tests for diagnostic psychological evaluations or completing functional behavior assessments; developing behavior support plans or writing psychological treatment plans; and/or providing psychological counseling and treatment in one or more of the following areas: mental and/or emotional disorders, cognitive disorders, behavioral disorders, intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, alcoholism, addictions, substance abuse disorders, sex offender assessment and treatment, or forensic mental health.

Non-qualifying experience include but are not limited to experience in experimental psychology, research psychology, industrial psychology, organizational psychology, health psychology, utilization review, guidance counseling, pastoral counseling, or as a habilitation specialist, or instructor of psychology. **A practicum, externship, or clinical fieldwork assignment is defined as a direct clinical experience providing psychological services in a hospital, psychiatric hospital, psychiatric clinic, community mental health clinic, correctional facility, intermediate care facility, institutional or school setting, or community based residential and/or day program; and must have been a component of a qualifying master of psychology degree program listed on the official transcript. Additional Comments Flexible work hours offered - clinical staff to select a work schedule within the 7am - 6pm time frame.

Background Investigation Requirements: 1) All prospective employees will be investigated through a Criminal Background Check (CBC), which includes State and federal Criminal History Record Checks. All convictions must be reported; conviction of a felony or misdemeanor, or any falsified or omitted information on the prospective appointee's employment application, may bar appointment or result in removal after appointment. Each case will be determined on its own merits, consistent with the applicable provisions of State and federal laws, rules, and regulations.

Prospective employees will be fingerprinted in order to obtain a record of their criminal history information, and may be required to pay any necessary fees. 2) All prospective employees will be screened against the Statewide Central Register of Child Abuse and Maltreatment (SCR). Prospective employees will be required to pay any necessary fees.

3) For Division of Juvenile Justice and Opportunities for Youth (DJJOY) prospective appointees will be checked against the Staff Exclusion List (SEL) maintained by the Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs. Prospective employees whose names appear on the SEL as having been found responsible for serious or repeated acts of abuse or neglect will be barred from appointment and may have their names removed from the eligible list(s) for the title(s) if applicable. The Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) is an equal opportunity employer.

OCFS does not discriminate based upon age, race, creed, color, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, military or veteran status, sex, disability (including pregnancy-related conditions), predisposing genetic characteristics, familial status, marital status or status as a victim of domestic violence, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We devote special attention to dismantling racial injustice and recognize that diversity in our workforce is critical to fulfilling our mission. We are committed to the diversity of our staff, and encourage applicants from marginalized communities to apply.

In furtherance of Executive Order 31 and OCFS's mission to have a diverse workforce, all people with disabilities are encouraged to apply. All applicants must be dedicated to working in and sustaining an environment of inclusion that affirms and celebrates the backgrounds, learned and lived expertise, whole identities, and individual perspectives of our staff. Applicants of all backgrounds and experiences are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.


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